TW202011144A - Dock for a portable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

A dock for a portable electronic device includes a base and an arm movably supported on the base. The arm has a ratchet gear set and a distal end configured to engage the portable electronic device to secure the portable electronic device to the base. The dock further includes a ratchet pawl positioned within the base. The ratchet pawl is movable between a first position, in which the ratchet pawl engages the ratchet gear set to inhibit movement of the arm relative to the base, and a second position, in which the ratchet pawl disengages the ratchet gear set to allow movement of the arm relative to the base. The dock further includes an electronic actuator operable to actuate the ratchet pawl from the first position to the second position.

Description

Docking base for portable electronic device

The present invention relates to a docking station for portable electronic devices, and more particularly, to a docking station for firm notebook or laptop computers.

The conventional docking station for portable electronic devices needs to be improved.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a docking station for a portable electronic device. The docking base includes a base and an arm movably supported on the base. The arm member has a ratchet gear set and an end. The end section is configured to be engaged with the portable electronic device to secure the portable electronic device to the base. The docking seat further includes a pawl that must be located in the base. The pawl is movable between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the pawl meshes with the ratchet gear set to inhibit movement of the arm relative to the base In the second position, the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet gear set to allow movement of the arm relative to the base. The docking station further includes an electronic actuator operable to actuate the pawl to move from the first position to the second position.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of operating a docking station for a portable electronic device. The portable electronic device is located between a first arm member and a second arm member of the docking station. Each of the first arm member and the second arm member engages with the portable electronic device to secure the portable electronic device to a base of the docking station. An electronic actuator is actuated to disengage a ratchet gear set on the first arm from a pawl. In response to the pawl disengaging from the ratchet gear set, the first arm member is biased away from the portable electronic device.

In yet another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a docking station for a portable electronic device, the docking station has a base and an arm member, the arm member is engaged with the portable electronic device and slidably Extend into the base. A controller is installed in a base, a first fixed guide is coupled with the base, and a second fixed guide is coupled with the base and spaced apart from the first fixed guide. A proximity sensor installed in the arm is electrically connected to the controller via one or more wires positioned between the first and second fixed guides. When the arm is in an extended position, the one or more wires are adjacent to the first fixed guide. When the arm is in a retracted position, the one or more wires are adjacent to the second fixed guide.

In yet another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a docking station for portable electronic devices. The docking station includes at least one arm member sliding relative to a base between a locked position and an unlocked position. The base includes an opening through which a cable lock can be inserted. A locking plate is positioned in the base and engages with the cable lock. When the arm member slides from the locked position to the unlocked position, a cam is positioned on the arm member and engages with the locking plate. When the cam is engaged with the locking plate, the locking plate disengages the cable lock to allow the cable lock to move away from the docking station.

In yet another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method of operating a docking station. The method includes registering a remote device with the docking station via a proximity sensor, positioning an electronic device on the docking station, and locking the docking station to inhibit removal of the electronic device from the docking station . The method also includes positioning the remote device close to the proximity sensor to unlock the docking station, and responsive to positioning the remote device close to the proximity sensor to release the electronic device from the docking station , And unregister the remote device with the docking station after the docking station is unlocked.

Other viewpoints of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and consideration accompanying drawings.

Before explaining any specific embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present invention is not limited to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or depicted in the following drawings. The invention can have other specific embodiments and can be practiced or completed in various ways.

FIG. 1 illustrates a docking station 12 used with a portable electronic device 10 (FIG. 11). The electronic device 10 can be secured to the docking station 12 via the first and second arm members 16, 20. The first and second arm members 16, 20 are movably supported on the base 14 and extend into the base A portion of the seat 14 and surrounding the electronic device 10 prevents the electronic device 10 from unnecessarily moving away from the dock 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the portable electronic device 10 is a portable computer, such as a laptop or notebook computer. In other embodiments, the portable electronic device 10 may be another electronic device with a hinge. As shown in FIG. 11, the portable electronic device 10 includes a display portion 10A having a display device such as a screen, and an input portion 10B having an input device such as a keyboard. The display portion 10B is connected to the input portion 10B via a hinge and can rotate relative to the input portion 10B. A bottom side of the input part 10B (for example, a bottom side of a keyboard part of the portable electronic device 10) rests on a support platform 26 (FIG. 1) of the base 14 and one of the display part 10A The rear side can rest against and adjacent to a housing 28 (FIG. 1) of the base 14 that extends upward from the support platform 26 to define a backrest for the electronic device 10.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the first arm member 16 includes a first hook member 18 and the second arm member 20 includes a second hook member 22. When the portable electronic device 10 is positioned on the docking station 12 (for example, against the support platform 26 and the housing 28), the arms 16, 20 surround the portable electronic device 10 Relative to the edge. More specifically, the arms 16, 18 extend around a portion of the rear, individual sides, and front of the portable electronic device 10. In combination with the structure of the base 12, the arm members 16, 20 inhibit the portable electronic device 10 from unnecessarily moving away from the docking station 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the base 14 includes a housing 28 defining an internal volume in which a plurality of electrical and mechanical components are located. The housing 28 includes openings 30 and 32 on opposite sides of the base 14. The first arm member 16 extends into and can slide relative to the first opening 30, and the second arm member 20 extends into and can slide relative to the opposing second opening 32. In other specific embodiments, only one of the arms 16, 20 can move or slide relative to the base 14, and the other of the arms 16, 20 can be fixed relative to the base 14 (That is, it cannot slide or move). When the arm members 16, 20 slide inwardly within the base 14 (ie, the hook members 18, 22 translate closer to each other), the gap between the hook members 18, 22 decreases. When the gap between the hooks 18 and 22 is larger than the width of the electronic device 10, this is an unlocked position, and the electronic device 10 can be inserted into and removed from the docking station 12. When the gap between the hooks 18 and 22 is smaller than the width of the electronic device 10, this is a locked position in which the electronic device 10 is restrained from moving away from the docking station 12. When the docking station 12 is in the locked position and no electronic device 10 is positioned on the docking station 12, the hooks 18, 22 further inhibit an electronic device 10 from being inserted on the docking station 12.

As explained below, the first arm member 16 is the left arm member shown in FIG. 1 (for example, the first arm member 16 surrounds the left side of the screen of the electronic device 10 from a viewing angle in front of the screen ). In other specific embodiments, the first arm member 16 may be the right arm member. Similarly, as described below, the second arm member 20 is a right arm member (for example, the second arm member 20 surrounds the right side of the screen of the electronic device 10 from a viewing angle in front of the screen). In other specific embodiments, the second arm member 20 may be the left arm member. In some embodiments, the docking station 12 may include only one arm member (for example, the first arm member 16), and the second arm member 20 may be a hook member fixed to the docking station 12 or Alternative to other suitable structures.

The first arm member 16 includes a main body 34 that extends into the first opening 30 and is covered by the first hook member 18 at one end of the arm member 16 (that is, is located in the housing when assembled (The end on the outer side of 28, as shown in Figure 1-2). The first hook member 18 includes a flat plate 36 extending from the main body 34 and attached to the main body 34 and a protruding portion 38 extending from the flat plate 36 parallel to the length direction of the main body 34. When the hook member 18 is fixed (ie, immobile) relative to the main body 34, the first hook member 18 is a fixed hook member. When the portable electronic device 10 is mounted to the dock 12, the main body 34 is positioned behind the display portion 10B, the flat plate 36 extends around one side of the display portion 10B, and the protruding portion 38 It is positioned in front of a part of the display section 10B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first hook member 18 is permanently attached to the main body 34, and the flat plate 36 of the first hook member 18 is permanently attached to the protruding portion 38. For example, the main body 34, the flat plate 36, and the protruding portion 36 may be integrally formed, molded, welded, glued, bolted, or otherwise secured together to form the first arm member 16.

Unless otherwise stated, the second arm member 20 is similar to the first arm member 16 (and mirrors the first arm member 16). The second arm member 20 includes a main body 42 that extends into the second opening 32 and is covered by the second hook member 22 at one end of the arm member 20 (ie, is located in the housing when assembled (The end on the outer side of 28, as shown in Figure 1-2). Similar to the first hook member 18, the second hook member 22 includes a flat plate 44 extending from the main body 42 and attached to the main body 42, and a protruding portion 46 extending from the flat plate 44. As shown in FIG. 2, the flat plate 44 of the second arm member 20 has a thickness greater than the flat plate 36 of the first arm member 16. The tablet 44 defines a casing in which one or more electronic components are located. As described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3A, 10, and 11, the tablet 44 may house a proximity sensor, antenna, wireless transceiver, and/or assembly to sense a remote device 150, such as a keychain or The presence of other sensors in the smartphone.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 34 of the first arm member 16 includes a ratchet gear set 50. The ratchet gear set 50 includes a plurality of tooth portions 52 extending along at least a portion of a length of the main body 34. The illustrated gear set 50 is formed on one of the rear sides of the main body 34 (closer to the rear of the dock 12 and away from the support platform 26). As shown in more detail in FIGS. 3B-4C, each tooth portion 52 includes an angled ramp portion and a vertical portion opposite the angled ramp portion.

The main body 34 of the first arm member 16 further includes a rack 58 extending toward the center of the base 14 in the length direction of the arm member 16. The rack 58 meshes with a pinion gear 60. The pinion gear 60 is positioned on the base 14, coupled with the base 14 and rotatable relative to the base 14. Therefore, when the first arm 16 is translated relative to the base 14, the rack 58 is translated relative to the base 14 and relative to the pinion 60. When the rack 58 meshes with the pinion gear 60, the translation of the rack 58 causes the pinion gear 60 to rotate.

The second arm member 20 further includes a rack 62 that meshes with the pinion gear 60 to couple the movement of the first arm member 16 to the second arm member 20. Therefore, when the first arm member 16 and the first hook member 18 are translated inwardly toward the base 14 in a first direction, the second arm member 20 and the second hook member 22 are also oriented toward the base 14 Inward translation (for example, to reduce the gap between the opposing hooks 18, 22). Similarly, when the first arm member 16 and the first hook member 18 are translated away from the base 14 in a second direction, the second arm member 20 and the second hook member 22 are also translated away from the base The base 14 (eg, increasing the gap between the opposing hooks 18, 22).

In the specific embodiment shown, a damper 82 is coupled to the pinion gear 60. The damper 82 limits the rotation speed of the pinion gear 60 so that when the arm members 16, 20 are translated relative to the base 14, the movement of the arm members 16, 20 is reduced (eg, limiting the speed). As shown, the damper 82 is coaxial with the pinion gear 60 and is positioned under the pinion gear 60 in the base 14. In the specific embodiment shown, the damper 82 is a rotary damper. In other specific embodiments, other suitable dampers may be used, or the damper 82 may be omitted.

The docking station 12 further includes a spring 66 to bias the first arm member 16 toward an unlocked position (ie, bias the first arm member 16 and the first hook member 18 away from the base 14). As shown, the spring 66 is a linear compression spring. Positioning the spring 66 around a post 68 (ie, the post 68 is positioned within the inner diameter of the spring 66) to limit the movement of the spring 66 to the translation direction of the first arm member 16 Parallel linear motion. A first end of the spring 66 abuts a first stop 70 at the base 14 to define a limit for the spring 66 relative to the base 14. One second end of the spring 66 abuts a second stopper 72 at the first arm 16. The second stop 72 defines a limit for the spring 66 relative to the first arm 16. The second stopper 72 and the arm 16 can move relative to the first stop 70 so that the spring 66 can expand and contract with the translation of the first arm 16. As the movement of the first arm member 16 is coupled to the movement of the second arm member 20 via the pinion gear 60, when the spring 66 biases the first arm member 16 and the first hook member 18 away from the base 14 The spring 66 further biases the second arm member 20 and the second hook member 22 away from the base 14. Similarly, when any one of the arm members 16, 20 and the hook members 18, 22 moves toward the base 14, the spring 66 is compressed. The spring 66 overcomes the friction of the damper 82 to move the arm members 16, 20 at a controlled and predetermined speed (based on the characteristics of the damper 82) relative to the base 14. This arrangement inhibits the arms 16, 20 from being suddenly ejected from the base 14 without being affected by the spring 66.

The docking station 12 includes an electrical connector 78A for electrically coupling the portable electronic device 10 to the docking station 12. The electrical connector 78A is attached to the portable electronic device 10 via a cable (eg, a USB-C cable) or may be otherwise fixed in the base 14 to be directly connected to one of the portable electronic devices 10 Port. The base 14 further supports a plurality of electrical components in the internal volume of the base 14. A circuit board or controller 76 includes a plurality of ports 78B-78H for electrically coupling a cable such as a power cable, a USB cable, and an HDMI cable to the electronic device 10 via the electrical connector 78A. As shown, the controller 76 includes a network port 78B, a headphone or speaker jack 78C, a first plurality of USB ports 78D, a second plurality of USB ports 78E, and a USB-C port 78F , A video output port 78G (for example, display port, HDMI port) and a power port 78H. Therefore, the docking station 12 is used as a port replicator, so in addition to or instead of the ports on the portable electronic device 10, different cables and peripheral devices (eg, flash drives, keyboards) , Mouse, etc.) can be directly inserted into the ports 78B-78H of the docking station 12. Furthermore, the docking station 12 can support more ports 78B-78H that appear more directly on the portable electronic device 10. In some embodiments, the rear portion of the dock 12 (near the ports 78B-78H) may further include an opening 98 (eg, a K-notch) for the dock 12 via a safety cable 110 It is physically coupled to an immovable object 80.

As discussed briefly above, the tablet 44 of the second arm 20 includes an internal space for supporting another electrical component: one including one or more of a proximity sensor, an antenna, and a wireless transceiver Neighbouring device 84. The proximity device 84 is in wireless communication with a key chain or another remote device 150 (FIG. 10) to provide a lock signal and/or unlock signal to the docking station 12. The proximity device 84 is electrically coupled to the circuit board 76 (eg, via one or more wires 100, as shown in FIG. 5). In other embodiments, the proximity device 84 can be located in the base 14.

The base 14 of the docking station 12 supports an electronic actuator 76 in the internal volume of the base 14. The electronic actuator 86 may be actuated by a signal from the proximity device 84, from the circuit board 76, and/or from the portable electronic device 10. The electronic actuator 86 may be embodied as, for example, an electric motor, such as a servo motor or a solenoid. In other specific embodiments, other suitable electronic or electromechanical actuators may be used. As shown in FIGS. 3B-4C, the electronic actuator 86 includes an output shaft 88 that rotates about a rotation axis. An output member 90 is attached to the output shaft 88. In the specific embodiment shown, the output member 90 includes a cam protruding radially from the output shaft 88. In other embodiments, the output member 90 may include other suitable protrusions or fingers.

A pawl 92 is positioned within the base 14 adjacent to the electronic actuator 86 so that the output member 90 can interact with the pawl 92. The pawl 92 includes a first engagement surface 92A, a second engagement surface 92B, and a rotation shaft 92C that must be located therebetween. The first engagement surface 92A is provided at a first end of the pawl 92 and includes a flat surface that can be engaged by the output member 90 coupled with the electronic actuator 86. The second engagement surface 92B is located at a second end of the pawl 92, opposite the first end, and includes a tooth portion that meshes with the ratchet gear set 50.

The pawl 92 is movable relative to the base 14 and the electronic actuator 86 about the rotation axis 92C (eg, rotatable). In the specific embodiment shown, the pawl 92 is movable (eg, rotatable) between an engaged position (FIGS. 3B, 3D, 4A, and 4C) and a disengaged position (FIG. 3C). In other specific embodiments, the pawl 92 can slide, translate, or move in other ways relative to the base 14 and the ratchet gear set 50. In the meshing position, the second meshing surface 92B of the pawl 92 meshes with the tooth portion 52 of the ratchet gear set 50. A spring 94 fastened to the pawl 92 and the base 14 biases the pawl 92 into the engaged position. In the specific embodiment shown, the spring 94 is a tension spring extending between the pawl 92 and the base 14. In other specific embodiments, the spring 94 may be, for example, a torsion spring positioned around the rotation axis 92C. In the disengaged position, the second engagement surface 92B is not engaged with the ratchet gear set 50. As shown, the rotation shaft 92C is closer to the second engagement surface 92B than the first engagement surface 92A, thereby providing a mechanical advantage for the motor 86 to overcome the bias of the spring 94 to disengage the pawl 92 from The position moves to this engaged position.

When the arms 16, 20 are locked relative to the base 14 (that is, the pawl 92 is in the engaged position), a pulling force applied outwardly on the arms 16, 20 will not be relative to The base 12 moves the arm members 16, 20 because the tooth portion at the second engagement surface 92B is engaged with one of the tooth portions 52 of the ratchet gear set 50. In other words, a surface of the pawl 92 and a surface of the ratchet gear set 50 are oriented and coupled when the user applies a pulling force on one of the arms 16, 20, so the surfaces Parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pulling direction. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, when a user exerts a pushing force on one or both of the arm members 16, 20 to face the arm members 16, 20 inwardly When the base 14 moves, the arms 16, 20 move inward regardless of whether the pawl 92 is in the engaged or disengaged position. This arrangement is due to the ratchet configuration of the pawl 92 and the gear set 50.

FIG. 13 confirms a method of operating the docking station 12. According to step 201, in order to lock the portable electronic device 10 to the docking station 12, the portable electronic device 10 is positioned on the support platform 26 of the base 14 and interposed between the opposing arm members 16 , Between 20. Next, according to step 202, the user can move the arm member 16 inward, overcome the bias of the spring 66 and move beyond the individual tooth portions of the ratchet gear set 50 at the second engagement surface 92B of the pawl 92 At 52 o'clock, the bias of the spring 94 is temporarily overcome (Figure 4A). In contrast to the vertical/vertical interface between the pawl 92 and the ratchet gear set 50 when the arm member 16 is moved outward, the interface between the pawl 92 and the ratchet gear set 50 is a cooperating ramp The arrangement allows the user to input force to move the ratchet gear set 50 relative to the pawl 92 (FIG. 4B). When the user moves the arm member 16 inward, the pawl 92 climbs up the continuous tooth portion 52 of the ratchet gear set 50 until the hook members 18, 22 surround the portable electronic device 10 and prevent The portable electronic device 10 is moved away from the docking station 12 (FIG. 4C). Again, when the first and second arm members 16, 20 are coupled by the pinion 60, when the first arm member 16 and the first hook member 18 are pushed inward toward the base 14, the second The arm member 20 and the second hook member 22 also move inward toward the base 14.

According to step 203, in order to unlock the docking station 12 and move the arm members 16, 20 and the hook members 18, 22 away from the base 14, a signal indicating an unlocking instruction is sent to the docking station 12. The proximity device 84 can receive the signal wirelessly (FIG. 3A). In an alternate embodiment, the signal can be provided via an input in the docking station 12 or the portable electronic device 10. When the signal is received by the docking station 12 and interpreted by the controller 76, the controller 76 actuates the electronic actuator 86 in a first direction (clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 3B) The output shaft 88 and the cam 90 are rotated so that the cam 90 contacts the first engagement surface 92A of the pawl 92. The contact between the cam 90 and the pawl 92 combined with the continuous actuation of the motor 86 rotates the pawl 92 about the rotation axis 92C, overcoming the spring bias of the spring 94. According to step 204 (and as shown in FIG. 3C), the cam 90 rotates until the second engagement surface 92B is completely disengaged from the ratchet gear set 50 (until a between the pawl 92 and the ratchet gear set 50 The clearance allows the ratchet gear set 50 to travel completely linearly relative to the pawl 92).

According to step 205, when the second engagement surface 92B is disengaged from the ratchet gear set 50, the spring 66 biases the first arm member 16 and the first hook member 18 outward away from the base 14 and away from the previous A hook member 18 hooks the edge of the portable electronic device 10. When the first and second arm members 16, 20 are coupled via the pinion gear 60, when the first arm member 16 is biased outward by the spring 66, the pinion gear rotates, thereby moving the second arm member 18 and the second hook member 20 are away from the base 14 and away from the edge of the portable electronic device 10 previously hooked by the second hook member 22. Therefore, when the arms 16 and 20 move outward, the portable electronic device 10 can be moved away from the docking station 12.

According to step 206, therefore, when the docking station 12 is unlocked, the electronic actuator 86 need not always remain charged, and once the arms have been fully extended to disengage from the first engagement surface 92A, the electronic actuator 86 can be rotated in a second direction (counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 3D). This rotation allows the bias of the spring 94 to rotate the pawl 92 about the rotation shaft 92C and return to mesh with the ratchet gear set 50 (eg, return to the most of the tooth portions 52 of the ratchet gear set 50 The inner teeth are partially engaged). This position may be considered a rest position where the spring 66 is fully decompressed and/or the arms 16 are not further biased outward.

As mentioned above, the tablet 44 of the second arm 20 includes one or more adjacent devices 84 for wirelessly communicating with a remote device 150 such as a key chain or a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the adjacent devices 84 may be electrically connected to the controller 76 via one or more wires 100 (FIG. 5). In the specific embodiment shown, the proximity device 84 and the wires 100 are located on opposite sides of the base 14 and one of the electronic actuator 86 and the pawl 92. This arrangement provides space so that the two mechanisms will not physically interfere with each other.

As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 12, the controller 76 includes a processor 156 installed in the base 14 and electrically coupled to the electronic actuator 86 and the adjacent device 84. The processor 156 stores the wireless signal received by the remote device 150 through the proximity device 84, as described above, as a registration signal in a memory 158. The processor 156 is electrically coupled to the adjacent device 84 via the wire(s) 100. The processor 156 is also in electrical communication with a power supply 160, the electronic device 10 (via the electrical connector 78A) and the ports 78B-78H. The power supply 160 can be provided by an external power source (eg, a wall outlet) through the power port 78H. In some embodiments, the power supply 160 may also or alternatively be provided by an internal power source, such as a backup battery.

As shown in FIG. 5, since the arm 20 is movable relative to the base 14 (eg, slidable and translatable) and, therefore, can also be moved relative to the controller 76, the wires 100 include a The slack portion allows the wire connection between the controller 76 (and specifically the processor 156) and the adjacent device 84 to remain unregardless of the position of the arm member 20 (eg, in the extended position, in the retracted position) Damaged. With too much slack, the wires 100 will become entangled with other components in the base 12. If the slack is too small, the wires 100 will be pulled away from one or both of the controller 76 and the adjacent device 84.

The docking station 12 further includes first and second fixed guides 102, 104 to help limit and control the movement of the wires 100. In the specific embodiment shown, the guides 102, 104 are solid protrusions that extend from the base 14 and into the internal volume of the base 14. The fixing guides 102 and 104 are fixed to the base 14 and/or the controller 76. In some embodiments, the fixed guides 102 and 104 can extend from the lower surface to the upper surface across the height of the base 14. The wires 100 pass between the fixed guides 102 and 104 at a position between the electrical connection to the controller 76 and the electrical connection to the adjacent device 84. When the arm 20 moves from the extended position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position, the fixed guides 102, 104 restrict the movement of the electric wires 100. When the arm member 20 is in the extended position, the wires 100 (shown by solid lines) are adjacent to the first fixed guide member 102. When the arm member 20 is in the retracted position, the wires 100 (shown in phantom) are adjacent to the second fixed guide 104. Therefore, the movement of the wires 100 is restricted by the fixed blocks 102, 104 at a position between the two terminals of the wires 100 into a "windshield wiper" type movement. The fixed guides 102 and 104 suppress the entanglement of the wires 100 in the base 104. At the same time, the fixed guides 102, 104 reduce the maximum force applied to the wires 100 at the individual ends of the wires 100 to reduce the wires 100 due to the arm 20 relative to the The repetitive movement of the base 14 may loosen the connections with the controller 76 and the adjacent device 84.

6-9 illustrate a system for locking the dock 12 to an immovable object 80 (FIG. 2). The system includes a safety cable 110 having a lock head 112 that can be inserted into an opening 96 of the docking station 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the lock head 112 includes a head portion 114 of a first diameter, a neck portion 116 smaller than a second diameter of the first diameter, and a body larger than a third diameter of the second diameter Part 118. The opening 96 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the lock head 112. The head portion 114 extends through the opening 96 and through an opening 124 of a locking plate 122 positioned within the internal volume of the base 14 of the docking station 12.

The locking plate 122 is a flat plate best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The locking plate 122 includes the orifice 124 which is aligned with the opening 96 so that the lock head 112 is axially inserted into the opening 124 after the lock head 112 is axially inserted into the opening 96. The opening 124 is a keyhole-like opening with a first portion made to an appropriate size to accept the head portion 114 of the lock head 112 and a second portion made to an appropriate size to accept the lock head 112 The neck portion 116, but cannot accept the head portion 112 (or the body portion 118). A stop plate 126 is positioned outside the aperture 124 (therefore the aperture 124 is positioned between the stop plate 126 and the opening 96). The stop plate 126 prevents the user from inserting the lock 112 of the safety cable 110 beyond a desired depth. The required depth of the section is when the neck portion 116 of the lock head 112 is positioned in the opening 124.

The locking plate 122 further includes a spring engagement feature 128 that engages with a spring 130. The spring 130 biases the locking plate 122 to a locked position where the second (narrower) portion of the keyhole-like opening 124 is axially aligned with the opening 96. An unlocked position (to resist the bias of the spring 130) is a position where the first (larger) portion of the keyhole-like opening 124 is axially aligned with the opening 96. The locking plate 122 restricts the axial movement between the locked and unlocked positions by the features in the base 114. The axial movement of the locking plate 122 is perpendicular to the direction of travel of one of the first arm members 16.

When the lock plate 122 is in the unlocked position, the lock head 112 can be removed and inserted into the opening 96 and the opening 124 of the lock plate 122. When the locking plate 122 is in the locked position, the lock head 112 cannot be removed when the neck portion 116 of the lock head 112 is captured in the second (narrower) portion of the keyhole-like opening 124 The opening 124 of the locking plate 122 is removed. The inclined end of the head portion 112 and/or the aperture 124 allows the axial insertion of the lock head 112 by overcoming the bias of the spring 112 when the lock plate 122 is in the locked position. However, the axial movement of the lock head 112 is still suppressed.

The locking plate 122 further includes an arm engagement cam 134. The arm engagement cam 134 includes an angular engagement surface 136 that is non-parallel and in a facing relationship with a rear portion of the first arm 16. The engaging surface 136 is angular (eg, non-parallel, non-vertical) with respect to the axial travel direction of the locking plate 122 and the travel direction of the first arm 16.

The first arm member 16 is configured with an arm member cam 140 similar to the arm member engaging cam 134. The arm cam 140 includes an angled engagement surface 142 that is angled with respect to the direction of movement of the locking plate 122 and the first arm 16, and substantially engages the engagement surface 136 of the arm engagement cam 134 Parallel (±15 degrees). When the first arm member 16 is moved from a locked (retracted) position to an unlocked (extended) position, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3D, the engaging surfaces 136, 142 are engaged with each other to axially move the The plate 122 resists the bias of the spring 130. In the alternate embodiment, only one of the cams 134, 142 includes an angled surface, and the other includes a non-angled surface that meshes with the angled surface.

In operation, the safety cable 110, more specifically the lock 112 of the safety cable 110, can only be removed when the user unlocks the docking station 12 by extending the arm outward. As explained above, the docking station 12 is unlocked by a proximity device 84 or other unlocking device. When the first arm member 16 is translated outward by the bias of the spring 66 to move the arm member 16 and the hook member 18 away from the base 14, the engagement surface 142 of the arm member cam 140 contacts the arm The engaging surface 134 of the engaging cam 134 generates a force that has a component force parallel to the compression direction of the spring 130, and the component force is high enough to allow the locking plate 122 to move from the locked position (FIG. 6- 7) Move to the unlocked position (Figure 8-9). Once in the unlocked position, the first (wider) portion of the keyhole-like opening 124 is aligned with the opening 96, and the lock head 112 can be accessed from the locking plate 122, the opening 96, and the dock 12 Move away.

In order to lock the safety cable 110, more specifically the lock head 112 of the safety cable 110, to the docking station 12 when the first arm member 16 is in the unlocked (extended) position, the lock head 112 is Insert through the opening 96 and through the aperture 124 in the locking plate 122. Then the arm member 16 is moved inward to a locked position, so that the arm member cam 140 is disengaged from the arm member engaging cam 134. When the cams 134, 140 are disengaged, the bias of the spring 130 translates the arm member 16 from the unlocked position to the locked position where the neck portion 116 of the lock head 112 is positioned in the keyhole like The second (narrower) portion of the aperture 124 prevents the lock head 112 from moving away from the locking plate 122 and the docking station 12.

In order to lock the safety cable 110, more specifically the lock head 112 of the safety cable 110, to the dock 12 when the first arm member 16 is in the locked (retracted) position, the arm member 16 It may be moved to an unlocked (stretched) position. Alternately, when the locking plate 122 is in the locked position by overcoming the bias of the spring 112, an inclined end of the head portion 112 and/or the aperture 124 may allow the axis of the locking head 112 Insert.

10-11 illustrate the docking station 12 disclosed above with reference to FIGS. 1-9. As shown, a remote device 150 (keychain, key card, another portable electronic device such as a smart phone or mobile phone, etc.) is used to lock/unlock the dock 12 described below. The remote device 150 can be assigned to a specific portable electronic device 10 or user so that an administrator can match the remote device 150 to a specific user or device.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method of using the remote device 150 to operate the docking station 12. First, the user sets the remote device 150 relative to the proximity device 84 (step 301). This may include contacting the plate 44 of the second arm member 20 with the remote device 150 or a specified distance (eg, 10 cm, 5 cm) by positioning the remote device 150 in a section of the adjacent device 84 , 1 cm). The proximity device 84 recognizes (eg, receives a signal from the remote device 150) the remote device 150 and relays the signal to the processor 156, indicating the specific remote device 150 to use (step 302). If the remote device 150 is allowed to use the docking station 12, the remote device 150 registers with the docking station 12 (for example, the processor 156 stores the signal from the neighboring device 84 in the memory 158 ; Step 303) and the user is equipped with a sound or visual indication that the remote device 150 and the dock 12 are successfully paired. The indication may include illumination of a lamp 152 (eg, a light emitting diode (LED)) of a first color on the flat plate 44 of the arm 20. In other specific embodiments, the indication may be provided by another suitable indicator, such as an audible noise or message on the screen of the electronic device connected to the dock 12. Rejecting the remote device 150 or failing to pair may cause the light 152 to emit light in a second color.

Once the remote device 150 is paired with the docking station 12, the arms 16, 20 of the docking station 12 extend to the unlocked position (if not already in the unlocked position). The arms 16 and 20 send signals to the electronic actuator 86 by the processor 156 to disengage and release the pawl 92 from the ratchet gear set 50. In the illustrated embodiment, when the pawl 92 is disengaged from the ratchet gear set 50, the arms 16, 20 are automatically extended to the unlocked position by the force of the spring 66 (FIG. 2). In other specific embodiments, when in the unlocked position, the arms 16, 20 can be manually moved (eg, pulled) apart. If a remote device 150 is not successfully paired with the docking station 12, the arms 16, 20 can be prevented from locking. Once the arms 16, 20 of the docking station 12 are in the unlocked position, the user can position the portable electronic device 10 on the support platform 26 of the base 14 and place the arms 16. 20 moves inward toward the edges of the display portion 10A of the portable electronic device 10. Once the hooks 18, 22 extend around the portable electronic device 10, the portable electronic device 10 is firmly secured to the docking station 12 to prevent the portable electronic device 10 from moving away (step 304 ).

When the user finishes using the docking station 12 and wants to remove the portable electronic device 10 from the docking station, the user again places the remote device 150 on or near the proximity device 84 (Step 305). The processor 156 compares the new signal with the stored and registered signal (step 306). When the proximity device 84 and the processor 156 recognize that the remote device 150 is allowed to unlock the device (that is, the same remote device 150 registered with the dock 12; step 307), the dock 12 provides a visual or audible indication (eg, via the light 152), and the processor 156 directs the electronic actuator 86 to actuate the pawl 92 to the disengaged position to release the arm members 16, 20 and Unlock, as explained above with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C (step 308).

In some embodiments, the dock 12 can also be unlocked by a master key chain or a manager key chain. For example, if a user forgets or loses his/her key chain, the one key chain is useful. Additionally or alternatively, the dock 12 may include a mechanical interface that allows a user to unlock the dock 12 with a physical key.

In the illustrated embodiment, when the controller 76 receives the unlock command from the proximity device 84, it forgets to register the signal indicating the specific remote device (ie, removed from the memory 158) so that the The remote device 150 cannot be used to unlock the docking station 12 without first re-registering the remote device 150 with the docking station 12 (step 309). Alternately, another remote device can be registered with the dock 12 by the next user. Therefore, once the electronic device 10 has been unlocked from the docking station 12, the docking station 12 does not remember the remote device 150 or the device 10 or the user associated with the remote device 150. This arrangement allows the dock 12 to be used in "hotel" situations where the dock 12 is not allocated to a specific user.

The docking base 12 is a universal docking base. For example, the arms 16, 20 allow the docking station 12 to secure electronic devices of different sizes. In some embodiments, the arms 16, 20 are expandable to accept laptops with screen sizes between, for example, between 10 inches and 20 inches. In addition, the hooks 18 and 22 allow the docking station 12 to accept electronic devices having different thicknesses. The docking station 12 also includes a universal connection part (for example, a USB port) to connect to different types of electronic devices. The universal connection part allows the connected electronic device to be connected to a plurality of output ports on the docking station 12 for port port replication. Furthermore, the dock 12 is unlocked and actuated by a wireless "key" (for example, the key chain 150), which may not be easy to pick, and may be distributed to multiple and/or different users.

The different features and advantages of the present invention are proposed in the following patent applications.

10: Portable electronic device 10A: Display section 10B: Input section 12: berth 14: Base 16: The first arm 18: The first hook 20: second arm 22: second hook 26: Support platform 28: Shell 30,32,96,98: opening 34,42: main body 36,44: Tablet 38, 46: protruding part 50: Ratchet gear set 52: tooth part 58,62: rack 60: Pinion 66,94,130: spring 68: column 70: first stop 72: second stop 76: circuit board or controller 78A: Electrical connector 78B-78H: Port 78B: Network port 78C: Headphone or speaker jack 78D: the first plural USB ports 78E: The second plural USB port 78F: USB-C port 78G: Video output port 78H: Power port 80: immovable object 82: damper 84: Proximity device 86: Electronic actuator/motor 88: output shaft 90: output member/cam 92: Ratchet 92A: First engagement surface 92B: Second engagement surface 92C: Rotating axis 100: wire 102,104: guide 110: Safety cable 112: Lock 114: Header 116: neck part 118: Main part 122: lock plate 124: Orifice 126: Stop plate 128: spring engagement feature 134: Arm meshing cam 136,142: angular engagement surface 140: arm cam 150: remote device 152: Light 156: processor 158: Memory 160: power supply 201-206,301-309: steps

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a docking station for securing a portable electronic device.

FIG. 2 is a top cross-sectional view of one of the docking stations, showing selected internal parts of the docking station.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a part of the docking station shown in FIG. 1, particularly showing a part of an arm member of the docking station.

3B is a plan view of a pawl and a ratchet gear set in an engaged position for locking the arm member of the docking base relative to a base.

FIG. 3C is a top view of the pawl and ratchet gear set in a disengaged position.

Figure 3D is a perspective view of the pawl returning to the engaged position.

4A is a first plan view of one of the pawl and ratchet gear set when the portable electronic device is locked to the docking station.

4B is a second top view of the pawl and ratchet gear set when the portable electronic device is locked to the docking station.

4C is a third top view of the pawl and ratchet gear set when the portable electronic device is locked to the docking station.

FIG. 5 shows a fixed guide arrangement shown with respect to an arm, with a wire in a first position and in a second position.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the docking station with a locking cable in a locked position.

7 is a top view of the docking station with the locking cable in the locked position.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the locking cable in an unlocked position.

9 is a perspective view of the docking station with the locking cable in the unlocked position.

10 is a top view of the docking station in communication with a remote device.

11 is a top view of the docking station and portable electronic device in communication with the remote device.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating different components of the docking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating the docking station of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another method of operating the docking station of FIG. 1.

12: berth

14: Base

16: The first arm

18: The first hook

20: second arm

22: second hook

26: Support platform

28: Shell

36,44: Tablet

38, 46: protruding part

Claims (30)

A docking station for portable electronic devices, the docking station includes: A base An arm member movably supported on the base, the arm member has a ratchet gear set and an end which is configured to be engaged with the portable electronic device to secure the portable electronic device To the base; The pawl must be located in the base, the pawl can be moved between a first position and a second position, when in the first position, the pawl meshes with the ratchet gear set to inhibit the arm from facing During the movement of the base and in the second position, the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet gear set to allow movement of the arm relative to the base; and An electronic actuator operable to actuate the pawl to move from the first position to the second position. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the arm member can slide toward the base in a first direction to secure the portable electronic device to the base, and can slide away from the base in a second direction To allow the portable electronic device to be removed from the base. The docking seat of claim 2, wherein when the pawl is in the first position, the arm member can only move in the first direction, and wherein when the pawl is in the second position, The arm member is movable in the second direction. The docking station of claim 2 further includes a spring coupled to the arm member, wherein the spring biases the arm member in the second direction. The docking seat of claim 1, wherein the arm member is a first arm member, and the docking station further includes a second arm member, the second arm member is coupled to the first arm member opposite One side of the base, wherein the second arm has an end that is configured to be engaged with the portable electronic device to secure the portable electronic device to the base. The docking station of claim 5, wherein the end of the first arm member includes a hook member configured to coil a portion of the portable electronic device; and wherein the end of the second arm member includes A hook is assembled to be able to coil around another part of the portable electronic device. The docking station of claim 5, wherein the second arm member is movably supported on the base, wherein when the pawl is in the first position, the first arm member and the second arm member It can only move towards each other to secure the portable electronic device between the end of the first arm member and the end of the second arm member, and wherein when the pawl is in the second position , The first arm member and the second arm member can be moved away from each other to release the portable electronic device. The docking seat of claim 7, wherein the first arm member includes a first rack, wherein the second arm member includes a second rack, and the docking station further includes the first rack and A pinion gear meshed with the second rack. The docking station of claim 8 further includes a damper coupled to the pinion gear to dampen movement of the first arm member and the second arm member. The docking station of claim 7, wherein the end of the second arm includes a proximity sensor coupled to the electronic actuator, wherein the proximity sensor is operable to actuate the in response to a wireless signal Electronic actuator. If the parking lot of item 10 is requested, it further includes: A processor installed in the base and electrically coupled to the electronic actuator and the proximity sensor; A first fixed guide member supported by the base and adjacent to the second arm member; A second fixed guide member supported by the base and adjacent to the second arm member, the second fixed guide member being spaced apart from the first fixed guide member; A wire extending between the second arm and the processor to electrically couple the proximity sensor to the controller, wherein the wire is positioned between the first fixed guide and the second fixed guide To restrain the movement of the electric wire during the movement of the second arm. The docking seat of claim 1, wherein the pawl includes a first end and a second end, the first end has a tooth portion that meshes with the ratchet gear set, and the second end has An engagement surface; and wherein the electronic actuator includes an output member that contacts the engagement surface to move the pawl from the first position to the second position. The parking mount of claim 12, further comprising a spring coupled with the pawl to bias the pawl into the first position and mesh the tooth portion with the ratchet gear set. The docking station of claim 12, wherein the pawl is pivotable about an axis disposed between the first end and the second end. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the electronic actuator includes a motor or a solenoid. The docking station of claim 1, wherein the base includes a housing, wherein the pawl and the electronic actuator are positioned within the housing, and wherein the arm member partially extends into the housing. As in the docking station of claim 16, wherein the housing further supports a plurality of ports, which are configured to be in electrical communication with the portable electronic device. The docking station of claim 16, wherein the base also includes a support platform extending from the housing, and wherein the support platform is assembled to be positioned under and in contact with the portable electronic device. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor supported by the base and electrically coupled to the electronic actuator, wherein the proximity sensor is operable in response to a wireless signal The electronic actuator is actuated. The docking station of claim 19, further comprising a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the processor is supported by the base and electrically coupled to the electronic actuator and the proximity sensor, wherein the The processor is operable to Storing a wireless signal from a remote device received by the proximity sensor in the memory as a registration signal in response to receiving the wireless signal for the first time, In response to receiving the wireless signal from the remote device a second time, directing the electronic actuator to actuate the pawl; and In response to the second reception of the wireless signal from the remote device, the registration signal is removed from the memory. The docking station of claim 1, further comprising a cable extending from the base, wherein the cable is assembled to engage an immovable object. The docking station of claim 21, wherein the cable includes a lock that can be inserted into an opening in the base, and the docking station further includes a locking plate supported by the base and adjacent to the opening, wherein The lock plate is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the opening and the lock head. When in the first position, the lock plate is engaged with the lock head to inhibit the lock head from the base Move away, and in the second position, the locking plate is disengaged from the lock head to allow the lock head to move away from the base. The docking station of claim 21, wherein as the arm member moves away from the base, the locking plate is actuated by the arm member to move from the first position to the second position. A method of operating a docking station for a portable electronic device, the method comprising: The portable electronic device is positioned between a first arm member and a second arm member of the docking station, each of the first arm member and the second arm member and the portable electronic device The device is engaged to secure the portable electronic device to a base of the docking station; Actuating an electronic actuator to disengage a ratchet gear set on the first arm from a pawl; and In response to the step of the detachment of the pawl from the ratchet gear set, the first arm member is biased away from the portable electronic device. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of actuating the electronic actuator includes: actuating the electronic actuation in response to a signal from a proximity sensor that is located in the docking station Device. The method of claim 25, further comprising: receiving a wireless signal from a remote device within a predetermined distance of the proximity sensor to generate the signal for actuating the electronic actuator. The method of claim 24, further comprising: biasing the pawl into engagement with the ratchet gear set; and wherein the step of actuating the electronic actuator overcomes the bias to cause the pawl from the first The arm is disengaged. The method of claim 24, wherein the first arm member is engaged with the second arm member so that the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet gear set and the second arm member is also biased away from the portable electronic device . The method of claim 24, wherein the step of positioning the portable electronic device between the first arm member and the second arm member includes: extending a hook member of the first arm member and the second arm A hook member surrounding the opposite edge of the portable electronic device; and wherein the step of biasing the first arm member away from the portable electronic device includes: removing the hook member of the first arm member from the One of the edges of the portable electronic device is detached. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of disengaging the pawl from the ratchet gear set includes: rotating the pawl from an engaged position to a disengaged position about a rotation axis.

Images